well point: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Engineering
Quick answer
What does “well point” mean?
A perforated metal pipe, often with a pointed end and screen, driven into the ground to collect water from the surrounding soil, primarily for drainage or dewatering.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perforated metal pipe, often with a pointed end and screen, driven into the ground to collect water from the surrounding soil, primarily for drainage or dewatering.
A method or piece of equipment used in civil engineering, construction, and hydrogeology to lower the groundwater table, control water ingress, or stabilize excavations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or application. Spelling and terminology are consistent. Both use 'well point' for the standard system.
Connotations
Technical, precise, related to construction site safety and foundation work in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare outside technical contexts. Similar frequency in construction/engineering literature in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “well point” in a Sentence
The contractor installed [well points] around the excavation.The site was dewatered using [a well point system].[Well points] were driven into the sandy soil.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “well point” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will need to well-point the entire perimeter before excavation can begin. (rare/technical verb form)
American English
- They had to well-point the foundation trench to keep it dry. (rare/technical verb form)
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The well-point dewatering scheme was approved by the engineer.
American English
- A well-point system was specified for the temporary works.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in project proposals or contracts for construction work.
Academic
Used in civil engineering, geology, and environmental science texts discussing groundwater control.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in hydrogeology and construction for describing a specific dewatering method.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “well point”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “well point”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “well point”
- Writing it as one word: 'wellpoint' (acceptable variant, but hyphenated form is common).
- Confusing with 'bullet point' or 'talking point'.
- Using it as a verb, e.g., 'to well point the site' (incorrect; correct verb is 'to dewater using well points').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly found as two words ('well point') or hyphenated ('well-point'). The one-word form 'wellpoint' is also used, especially in technical brand names.
No. That would be 'good point'. 'Well point' is a technical engineering term with no relation to discussions or debates.
Primarily in civil engineering, construction, hydrogeology, mining, and environmental engineering for ground dewatering and excavation support.
A water well is typically a larger, permanent structure for water supply. A well point is smaller, temporary, and used specifically for draining water *away* from an area, not for collecting it for use.
A perforated metal pipe, often with a pointed end and screen, driven into the ground to collect water from the surrounding soil, primarily for drainage or dewatering.
Well point is usually technical / engineering in register.
Well point: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwel ˌpɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwel ˌpɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WELL (for water) with a POINTed end that you drive into the ground; it's a 'pointed well'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WELL POINT is a STRAW FOR THE EARTH, sucking groundwater out of the soil.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a well point?